FDA-Sc.29-2017

Object number

FDA-Sc.29-2017

Object type

bust

Title

Charles James Fox

Description

Sculpted bust of a man, with short hair, clean shaven, no clothing or drapery

Comments

'Lord Holland has just presented to Eton College a beautifully-executed bust, by an Italian sculptor, copied from the original by Nollekens, of his illustrious relative the late Charles James Fox, which, for the present, has been placed in the College Library. It is a remarkably pleasing likeness of the "great statesman and friend to truth," conveying, in a most striking manner, the peculiar kindliness and strength of thought which were so singularly combined in his expressive features. It is to be hoped that so noble and liberal an example on the part of Lord Holland will be followed by other representatives and relatives of the "departed great" who first pursued their studies at Eton...'

[Source: Bucks Herald, Saturday 5 March 1842, p.8]

'[Nollekens's] stock pieces were busts of Pitt and Fox — our Fox is derived from his.'

[Source: 'Eton Busts' by Oliver Van Oss, Etoniana, No.123, November 29, 1969, p.355]

Other number

Sc 39
FDA-A.129-2010

Content (person)

Fox, Charles James, 1749 - 1806 (Sitter)

Dimension note

23½in. high

Inscription

Unsigned

Lettered on the wall sconce that supports the bust: 'FOX'

Material

marble

Person

Nollekens, Joseph, 1737 - 1823 (Source artist)

Date

c.1842

Object history note

Provenance: Presented to Eton College by Henry Edward Fox, 4th Baron Holland of Foxley (1802–1859) in c.1842
[see: Lincolnshire Chronicle, Friday, 3 February 1843]